Christmas, while supposedly one of the most joyous times of year, can also be one of the most stressful. Sure, there’s tinsel and Mariah Carey and the freedom to watch Love Actually multiple times without judgement, but if you happen to be hosting the main event your blood pressure is probably going through the roof.
Those cousins you haven’t seen in years? They’ll be there, complete with gluten-free and vegan dietary requirements. Then there’s a tree to put up, a table to decorate, and, most importantly, a menu that will keep everyone happy to plan. Not to mention shopping for the last-minute Secret Santa you’ve been dragged into at work.
If the whole thing is filling you with dread instead of merriment, why not ditch tradition (and a mountain of dishes) and treat yourself to a nice civilised meal out on the town.
Here’s what's open on Christmas Day in Perth so you don't have to cook.
Post
Perth
Dress to impress and head over to Post for an Italian-inspired Christmas lunch that will have your family singing your praises for years to come. Who wants to slave away in the kitchen when you could be treating yourself to perfect pan-roasted fish with crushed potatoes, buffalo mozzarella with oven roasted capsicum, or some classic ricotta gnocchi? No one, that’s who. Book for lunch or dinner.
The Guildford Hotel
Guildford
A three-course meal and two hours of free-flowing drinks sounds much better than cooking at home, doesn't it? Get stuck into The Guildford's shared feast of roasted potatoes, fried Brussel sprouts and smoked meats with plenty of bubbly, beers and soft drinks. Don’t forget to squeeze in dessert—a yule log with custard and berry compote.
Pan Pacific
Perth
The best bit about Christmas is eating yourself into a food coma, and you can do just that at Pan Pacific in Perth. For $178 per head you will get to chow into everything from freshly shucked oysters and prawns to turkey, pork belly and salads galore. Then you can stuff your second stomach silly with Chrissy pudding, trifle and mince pies. When you can’t take anymore you can waddle across to the hotel’s swimming pool, stay cool in their movie room or get among the puzzles and games. Saint Nick’s even coming too!
Garum
Perth
Looking to class it up this Christmas? Head straight to Garum. Your four course feast will start with antipasto, in the true Italian way, with some cured meat, zucchini flowers and crochette, then you can dig into everything from cacio E pepe and turkey saltimbocca to suckling pig. For dessert, you can load up on cheese, tiramisu and, of course, Christmas pudding. Definitely book.
HQ Bar + Kitchen
Perth
Take your Christmas soiree sky high at Quay Perth’s HQ Bar + Kitchen. Overlooking Elizabeth Quay, you’ll enjoy a buffet feast of ham, roast beef, potato salad, oysters and all the fancy trimmings. Come dessert you can load your plate up with churros and dark French chocolate, coconut and mango panacotta, cheese and fruit.
Hyde Perth Kitchen & Cocktails
Perth
Perth’s brand new pool bar and kitchen, Hyde, is dishing up some Christmas specials Australia would be proud of. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner, there’s something to suit any of your family festivities.
Crown
Burswood
With all the Crown restaurants and bars putting on a spread for Christmas breakfast, lunch and dinner, there’s bound to be a menu that suits your taste—from the casual al a carte menu at Market & Co, right through to a decadent set menu at Nobu. Forget the turkey and go for something slightly unconventional.
The Queens
Highgate
Nothing beats a nice relaxing meal at the pub, and folks at The Queens are holiday veterans when it comes to putting on a Christmas lunch for Perth locals and visitors alike. Yep, they’ve got a three-course menu and a side of jolly with your name on it.
Ivy & Jack
Perth
If a buffet feast and chocolate fountain is sounding just like the Christmas miracle you’ve been praying for, look no further than Ivy & Jack. Gorging yourself silly on all the traditional dishes over a glass of wine or ten is definitely encouraged.
Dragon Palace
Northbridge
If turkey and pudding doesn’t float your boat, maybe a steamboat will do the trick? With a positively massive range of a la carte dishes and dim sum on offer, even the fussiest of family members are sure to leave feeling stuffed with Christmas cheer after lunch at Dragon Palace.
The Old Brewery
Perth
Lunch with a view? Don’t mind if we do. This year The Old Brewery is going all out, serving up a buffet breakfast, and set menu lunch and dinner with all the trimmings. Sit back, relax, and let them take all the hassle out of Christmas while you take in the city skyline.
Eat Greek
East Fremantle
If anyone knows how to put on a good Christmas spread, it’s Eat Greek. You can eat, drink and be merry with their epic Greek feast. In the bain-maries you’ll find everything from moussaka and souvlaki to lamb chops and grilled calamari. If salad’s all you can think about on a hot Christmas Day they’ve got plenty to choose from, as well as 27 desserts to keep your sweet tooth in check.
Fraser’s Kings Park
West Perth
Fraser’s will be feeding hungry Christmas folk from breakfast right through to dinner with a la carte, set and buffet menus. If you’re feeling energetic after feasting you can go for a walk in the beautiful park… or just roll out of there and have a nap on the grass that overlooks the Swan River.
Elmar’s In The Valley
Swan Valley
Elmar’s is bringing a dose of German Christmas magic to the Swan Valley this year in the form of a buffet lunch complete with carvery station. Keep your eyes peeled for their sweet and spicy mustard glazed ham with shiraz juice. Top everything off at the dessert buffet and kick on with a few beers.
While we're at it, here are the best places to throw a Christmas party in Perth.
Image credit: Elle Borgward